Sensex climbs 233 points as IT stocks gain

Key benchmark indices edged higher on Thursday in volatile trade as European and Asian stocks rose as investors bought technology shares amid hopes of improvement in quarterly profits as rupee weakened.

The popular Sensex at BSE was up 233.08 points or 1.22 percent to close at 19,410.04 points, its highest closing level since July 2, 2013. The index gained 267.26 points at the day's high in late trade and rose 67.25 points at the day's low in morning trade.

The 50-unit CNX Nifty at NSE was up 66.05 points or 1.14 percent to 5,836.95, its highest closing level from July 2, 2013.

Global risk appetite was firm on hopes of growth recovery in US ahead of US non-farm payrolls report and European Central Bank meet to decide on the monetary policy, while the Indian rupee lost some ground against the dollar amid dollar purchase by banks. The local currency was trading at Rs 60.24 as compared with the previous close of Rs 60.22.